Jared Johnson

Your local New Orleanian here…I still consider myself new to the area, even though I’ve been here since 2005. I Lived in Bowie until 2008…Lorton until 2009…got married, moved to Woodbridge…had my first son…then got fat…lol. My wife didn’t gain a pound, but I gained 50. I couldn’t even make it up my stairs without panting. I started thinking, if I kept this lifestyle going, how was I going to play with my son? What type of role model would I be eating whole pizzas and a dozen donuts in one sitting (yep, that was me)?

I had a couple of friends that were doing CrossFit, and one of them told me there was a “CrossFit Woodbridge” near my house. I sat on this information for about 4 months, telling myself that I would check it out one day. Then, a phone conversation with my Dad made me reach out and contact the gym. My Dad told me, “Son, you’re getting fat”. I mean, I knew it, and so did my friends and family but, my Dad was the only one who had the courage to let me know.

When I did my introductory WOD, I almost didn’t sign up. I could barley breathe. But, I hate being told I can’t do something, and for the first time in my life, I was telling this to myself. I wouldn’t let me beat me anymore. I wanted to take control of my weight, eating habits, and life…so I signed up.

See, I have been taking pointers from each of the coaches at the gym. I was, and am, always observing the coaches and the “superheroes” in the classes. I learned about how to live the Paleo Lifestyle, how to pace myself, how important mobilizing is, and I am still learning and improving on different movements and techniques everyday. I found out that this getting fit thing is not just a place to arrive, but is truly a journey.

Right near October I started to stray away from my diet a bit. Then, the Whole Life Challenge came around. I was already eating Paleo, so it wasn’t much of a change for me, but it really made me re-adjust things and get back on track. Once I saw that following the guidelines really helped me get stronger and improve, I knew that what the coaches were preaching had me on the right track.

I really never thought I could lose weight or get in shape. I never thought I had the time. Really, this CrossFit thing was my last hope. Now, I feel like I can do anything. I have more energy, I sleep better, I stopped snoring (Thanks CFW…straight from my ol’ lady). I am addicted to fitness now. I even do my own WOD’s on the weekends.

You know, now that I think about it, I am really forging elite fitness…and friendships. CFW is almost like a home away from home for me. I can’t thank the coaches enough for just being themselves-regular cool people- and living healthy lives. People are always watching you, and I learn by example. Each of you have taught me more than you know…and in time…I will destroy all of you in a WOD…lol.